D. Colleen Bagleyl (née Baker)

Colleen Bagley (née Baker), born on February 2, 1949, passed away peacefully after a heroic and long battle with cancer.

Raised in Dana, Illinois, Colleen was a proud 1967 graduate of Dana/Minonk High School. She spent her adult years in Joliet, Illinois, where she met her first love, Robert Bagley. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three daughters: Marianne Hankins (Corey), Traci Bagley, and Jaime Wagoner.

Colleen’s daughters brought immense joy to her life, a joy that grew even greater with the arrival of her three cherished grandsons: Eric Groeteke (Savannah Coady), Jakob Hankins (Shelby Bayless), and Jackson Wagoner.

Colleen had a very special relationship with her 3 grandsons. She loved traveling to Springfield whether it was to see them performing on stage, on the baseball field or the soccer pitch.

Colleen and Bob were married for nearly 34 years, building a life together across several cities before making Joliet their longtime home. More than husband and wife, they were true companions who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, sharing life’s adventures, laughter, and everyday moments. Their years together were filled with love and cherished memories until Bob’s untimely passing in 2005.

Years later, Colleen was fortunate to find love and companionship again with Duane Southwick. Together, they shared a love of travel, laughter, and life’s simple pleasures, creating many cherished memories along the way. Duane was a constant source of love, comfort, and strength, standing faithfully by her side throughout her courageous battle with cancer. His unwavering devotion and tender care brought Colleen comfort during her most difficult days. Our family will forever be grateful for the happiness he brought into her life and the extraordinary love and care he showed her until the very end.

Colleen also shared a special bond with Duane’s daughters, Jennifer and Cortney, and loved watching his grandchildren—Morgan, Marshall, Riley, and Lucas—grow.

Colleen shared a special bond with her neighbor, Yazmin Garcia, who became like another daughter to her. Colleen also held Yazmin’s daughters, Jimena Garcia, Natalia Plascencia, and the late Amira Garcia, close to her heart. Their bond was a beautiful reminder that family is not always defined by blood.

Colleen deeply loved her brothers, sisters, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and her many nieces and nephews. Family meant the world to her, and she treasured the memories, laughter, and lifelong bonds they shared. Each held a special place in her heart, and her love for them was immeasurable.

Colleen had a fulfilling career in corrections at Stateville, where she rose through the ranks to become a Shift Commander Captain. She was passionate about her work, a mentor to many, and a trailblazer who broke barriers for women following in her footsteps.

She always had a seat at her kitchen table and a cup of coffee ready for anyone who needed conversation, advice, or simply to be heard. If you knew Colleen, you knew she was truly one of a kind.

She will be remembered for her spirited nature, her strength, and her unforgettable dance moves.

A private service was held in her honor.